While the USMNT has been knocked out of the World Cup, they are far from removed from the public’s consciousness. This year’s electrifying roster is taking a short break before club soccer starts up again, but some Americans may not be staying with their current clubs for long.
Transfer rumors are the reward for great performances at the World Cup and players across the pitch may be reaping the rewards come January.
DOHA - A fresh-faced United States squad arrived in Qatar with modest expectations and although they may leave with a sense of disappointment after another last-16 exit, their performances offered hope of a longer run when they co-host the 2026 tournament.
After an encouraging group campaign, a young team brimming with confidence entered the knockout phase believing they could deliver another plot twist in a tournament where underdogs have consistently punched above their weight.
And just like that, it's over. The United States is sent packing after a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands in the first game of the knockout stage. The first World Cup since 2014 for the Americans gave fans much reason for hope, but it exposed the team's weaknesses as well.
El sueño mundialista de Estados Unidos se terminó este sábado luego de caer por 3-1 ante Países Bajos, en los octavos de final del Mundial de Catar.
La derrota del USMNT también significó el adiós definitivo de la Concacaf del torneo.
La confederación había perdido a México, Canadá y Costa Rica en la fase de grupos y tenía la esperanza de ver a Estados Unidos quizás dando una sorpresa ante los neerlandeses. Sin embargo, Países Bajos dio poco espacio para la ilusión.
The USMNT starting 11 vs Netherlands has been confirmed with Christian Pulisic returning to the lineup after being forced off with a pelvic contusion against Iran last time out. Josh Sargent, however, still hasn't fully recovered from his ankle injury (he's unavailable for selection) and the starting striker claim goes to Jesús Ferreira (his first appearance).
The U.S. men's national team said Friday that forward Christian Pulisic will play in Saturday's Round of 16 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
The hero of Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Iran to advance out of Group B and into the knockout stage, Pulisic had been counting on playing all along. The team confirmed in a social media post on Friday afternoon that he, indeed, would play.
The U.S. men's national team officially lists Christian Pulisic as day-to-day for Saturday's Round of 16 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
But if the hero of Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Iran to advance out of Group B has his way, he'll play.
"(I'm) doing everything in my power to be able to be out there on the field on Saturday," Pulisic said at a news conference Thursday in Doha.
Americans who aren’t usually interested in soccer watched the 2022 World Cup more than ever, and the USMNT’s first qualification to the round of 16 since 2014 had the country hyped.
The Pat McAfee Show wasn't excluded.
Pat McAfee Show reaction to Pulisic goal
The USMNT game and victory against Iran had all of us on the edge of our seat, including those on the set of Pat McAfee.
The Pat McAfee Show is hosted by former NFL punter Pat McAfee in which he, along with other pundits, analyze and cover the latest in American sports news.
DOHA - Christian Pulisic was hailed by his teammates on Tuesday after his first-half strike sent the United States through to the World Cup knockout rounds, with the effort landing him in hospital with a pelvic contusion.
The Chelsea forward burst into the area and bundled the ball over the line in the 38th minute of Tuesday's Group B decider against Iran. But he could not even celebrate the goal as he had injured himself following a collision with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The United States men’s national team triumphed against Iran with a nervy 1-0 victory on Tuesday to clinch a Round of 16 game against the Netherlands. The USA gave American fans several heart attacks along the way, but this is a massive accomplishment for the team.
The USA grinded out a tough one but ultimately came out on top. The magic moment came from none other than Christian Pulisic who put his body on the line to score the game-winner.